Player injury update: Week 17

Player injury update: Week 17

There were more big injuries in Week 16. As always, injuries play a crucial role when it comes to constructing our fantasy lineups, especially during fantasy playoffs. Here’s the status of players with the most interest to the fantasy community:

Melvin Gordon, RB Los Angeles Chargers – Gordon injured his ankle in Sunday’s win over the New York Jets. Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said Monday that Gordon’s foot was in a walking boot. With Gordon and Austin Ekeler (broken hand) both dealing with injuries, Branden Oliver is expected to see more touches in Week 17.

Joe Mixon, RB Cincinnati Bengals – Mixon suffered an ankle injury on Sunday. He’s being listed as day to day. Giovani Bernard replaced Mixon against the Lions. He gained 168 yards and scored a touchdown. Bernard will get the start and be a borderline RB1 this week against a tough Baltimore Ravens defense if Mixon sits.

DeMarco Murray, RB Tennessee Titans – Murray suffered an LCL sprain against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. It was first reported that Murray is unlikely to play in Week 17 but the Titans are hoping to have him in a limited role. Either way, it sounds like Derrick Henry will see most of the touches versus the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Samaje Perine, RB Washington Redskins – Perine was questionable with a groin injury last week but he ended up playing versus the Denver Broncos. However, he suffered an Achilles injury in the fourth quarter. The Redskins have been decimated by injuries at the running back position this year. With Perine unlikely to play this week, Kapri Bibbs is the only healthy running back left in Washington. He’ll get plenty of work against a New York Giants porous rush defense.

James White, RB New England Patriots – White was inactive on Sunday with an ankle injury. With White and Rex Burkhead both injured, Dion Lewis took over as the Patriots primary running back with Mike Gillislee also seeing some carries. Expect the same formula this week if White is out.

DeSean Jackson, WR Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jackson missed Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers with an ankle injury. He didn’t practice at all last week, so Jackson should be considered highly questionable for the season finale. Chris Godwin replaced Jackson and caught three passes for 98 yards. Godwin will draw the start once again versus the New Orleans Saints if Jackson can’t play.

Chris Hogan, WR New England Patriot – Hogan missed Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills with a shoulder injury. He did practice on a limited basis last week but the Patriots are likely making sure Hogan is healthy for the playoffs. Hogan will probably sit out the finale versus the Jets. Even if he plays, Hogan will be a risky fantasy option.

Jeremy Maclin, WR Baltimore Ravens – Maclin missed Week 16 with a knee injury. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said on Tuesday that Maclin has a chance to play against the Bengals. If Maclin can’t go, Mike Wallace will continue to see a few more targets come his way.

Jordy Nelson, WR Green Bay Packers – Nelson left Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings with a shoulder injury and he didn’t return. At this point, it won’t matter if Nelson plays or not in Week 17. He hasn’t had fantasy value since Aaron Rodgers was injured.

Sterling Shepard, WR New York Giants – Shepard suffered a neck injury in the fourth quarter of the Giants loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. With the Giants playing for nothing on Sunday, it would be a surprise if Shepard is active against the Washington Redskins. The depleted Giants receiving corps may be down to Roger Lewis as the primary option in the passing game.

Evan Engram, TE New York Giants – Engram suffered a rib injury against the Cardinals. Like Shepard, it would be surprising to see Engram play this week with the Giants season being over long ago. If he’s done for the year, Engram ends his rookie season with an impressive 64 receptions, 722 yards and six touchdowns.